Our 2023 Annual Report is Here!

It’s Here!
Inspiritus' 2023 Annual Report

Dear Friends,

Thanks to your generous support, Inspiritus had the privilege of empowering 11,124 individuals on their journeys from surviving to thriving in 2023! It was a year marked by significant growth, exceptional leadership, and a deepened commitment to our mission.

We are thrilled to share with you our 2023 Annual Report, which provides an in-depth look at our achievements and impact over the past year. Inside, you'll find inspiring stories of resilience, community impact, and transformation. Click the button below to read the full report.

Your ongoing support has been instrumental in helping us create thriving communities, and we invite you to explore the full report to see the difference you've made. Thank you for being an essential part of the Inspiritus family and for your continued commitment to our mission.



With gratitude,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

Final Texas Wildfires Update

Dear Friends,

It's been seven weeks since power lines ignited massive wildfires across the Texas Panhandle that destroyed homes, killed thousands of livestock, and displaced countless residents throughout the region. On February 27, a state of emergency was declared by the Texas A&M Forest Service, as affected areas such as Hutchinson County, Randall County, Potter County, and the City of Amarillo, Texas reported hundreds of burned homes, thousands of livestock dead and destruction of crops, grasslands, and ranching infrastructure. Fueled by dry and windy conditions, the 2024 Texas Wildfires are considered one of the largest and most devastating fires in U.S. history. 

On March 9, 2024 Inspiritus Disaster Response teams were deployed to Amarillo, Texas to assist survivors of the Texas Wildfires on their road to recovery by providing free Debris Removal and coordinating Heavy Equipment services. These services were provided wherever needed most, with priority to those who are most vulnerable, including families with children, seniors, veterans, and especially low-income households.

Throughout the 3-week* deployment [Correction: Updated Deployment Time] in Hutchinson County, Inspiritus Disaster Relief partners, volunteers, and supporters helped empower 162 survivors on their path from surviving to thriving.

WHAT WE DID:

• Capacity Building: Inspiritus staff coordinated with local emergency and city/county officials to assist with local capacity building efforts. While staff actively supported operations in and around the Amarillo area, they also assisted leaders in other local towns and counties to help them assess and manage the people and resources they needed. 

• Volunteer Housing: Inspiritus established a volunteer housing base at The Trinity Nazarene Church of Borger, with the capacity to accommodate overnight volunteers on a daily basis. 

• Home Assessments, Debris Removal, and Heavy Equipment Services: Volunteers conducted Home Assessments, provided free Debris Removal, and coordinated Heavy Equipment services for local residents’ homes where it was safe to enter.

• Support & Care: Volunteers accompanied survivors as they navigated one of the most difficult tragedies and challenges of their lives. In this accompaniment, we walk alongside each individual we come in contact with, helping them to tap into the resilience within themselves. Prayer and spiritual encouragement is often greatly appreciated by many survivors and Inspiritus volunteers often provide this comforting and empowering form of care, when it is welcomed. Hope and hugs are often powerfully strengthening for survivors during their darkest hours.

This critical work would not have been possible without the support of Inspiritus donors, our incredible volunteers, and partners like The Home Depot Foundation, ToolBank USA, and Airlink - who generously provided needed tools, volunteer flights, and required personal protective equipment (PPE) for this response.

Thank you for your continued support and helping impacted communities find strength and resiliency during these difficult times. While our Texas Wildfires response operation has come to a close, you can learn more about Inspiritus' Disaster Relief efforts and the ways you can get involved by clicking the button below.

Sincerely,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus 

April is Autism Acceptance Month

Dear Friends,

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. Some people with ASD have a known difference, such as a genetic condition. Other causes are not yet known. Scientists believe there are multiple causes of ASD that act together to change the most common ways people develop. We still have much to learn about these causes and how they impact people with ASD. According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 36 children in the United States today.

ASD begins before the age of 3 years and can last throughout a person’s life, although symptoms may improve over time. Some children show ASD symptoms within the first 12 months of life. In others, symptoms may not show up until 24 months of age or later. Some children with ASD gain new skills and meet developmental milestones until around 18 to 24 months of age, and then they stop gaining new skills or lose the skills they once had. Research shows that early intervention leads to positive outcomes in life for people with autism.

People with ASD may behave, communicate, interact, and learn in ways that are different from most other people. There is often nothing about how they look that sets them apart from other people. The abilities of people with ASD can vary significantly. They may have difficulties developing and maintaining friendships, communicating with peers and adults, or understanding what behaviors are expected in school or on the job. These characteristics can make life very challenging. We still have much to learn about these causes and how they impact people with ASD. It is important to remember that Autism is treatable, and not a hopeless condition.

"If you’re always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.”

– Maya Angelou

Welcome to the Team!

Crystal Gaulden - New Case Manager

Crystal comes with over 20+ years of experience in the field of social work. She has experience in various areas of social work, public mental health, substance abuse, homelessness to name a few areas. Crystal is a country girl at heart, a true GA Peach. She is a proud mother of two fur babies. Her hobbies include baking sweet treats, photography, adult kickball, and camping. We are so happy to have her as a Case Manager on the Disability Services team!

Upcoming Mandatory Meetings:

2024 Quarterly Support Companion Meeting Schedule

April 2, 2024, 11:00am-12:00pm - ROME

April 4, 2024, 11:00am-12:00pm - ATLANTA

April 11, 2024, 11:00am-12:00pm - SAVANNAH

April 17, 2024, 11:00am-12:00pm - ATHENS

We are so excited to see everyone at our in-person meetings in April!

The July Support Companion quarterly meeting will be held as a virtual meeting. The Zoom link will be sent through the family web portal.

Stay tuned for the October in-person meeting dates, times, and locations.

*Make sure to check your emails for the We Inspire Weekly newsletter for important information and reminders!

Inspiritus WE Awards

Inspiritus WE Awards

Through the family portal, SharePoint, and via email, every individual, Support Companion, and team member can nominate anyone for anything they do “With Excellence." Once a quarter, the Disability Services Leadership Team reviews all nominations for Excellence and chooses one individual, one Support Companion, and one team member who clearly embraces the key concepts of WE. Both a nomination and a quarterly selection earn points to receive Inspiritus SWAG and we highlight them in the quarterly newsletter!

*1st Highlight $10 + SWAG Bag

*2nd Highlight $15 + SWAG Bag

*3rd Highlight $25 + SWAG Bag

Support Companion Highlight:

Congratulations Florence Carpenter!

Ms. Carpenter has been with Inspiritus for 11 years! The work you do does not go unnoticed. We appreciate your dedication to our individuals, and we couldn't do it without providers like you. You make a difference. Thank you!

Individual Highlight:

Congratulations Marion Taksa!

Marion has been in services with Inspiritus for seven years! She is doing great at her placement with Ms. Carpenter. Marion is the sweetest and we are so thankful that we have the opportunity to serve her.

Team Member Highlight:

Congratulations Denise Parker!

Denise has been with Inspiritus for nine years and she is such a significant part of our Disability Services team! We can always depend on Denise to know the answer or find the answer. We appreciate her willingness to always help whenever she can. Denise is also a huge advocate for our individuals. She went to Washington, DC to participate in “Hill Day,” where she had the opportunity to talk to Georgia Senators, their staff, and other members of Congress about the important needs of individuals with disabilities and the direct care workforce. Thank you, Denise, for all that you do!

Our Individuals are Vibing & Thriving!

Director's Corner

April is also Stress Awareness Month

Since 1992, April has been recognized as National Stress Awareness Month to bring attention to the negative impact of stress. Managing stress is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. Knowing how to manage stress can improve mental and physical well-being as well as minimize exacerbation of health-related issues.

It’s critical to recognize what stress and anxiety look like, take steps to build resilience, and know where to go for help.

Stress in minor to moderate doses may be expected, as the body is equipped to handle these reactions. However, ongoing or unattended stress can have serious consequences. Chronic stress impacts the entire body and can harm well-being in the long term.

Understanding the signs of stress may help you recognize them and find strategies that target the unique circumstances of your stressful situation.

Below are a few of these indicators:

• Increased irritability and anger

• A loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities

• Mental burnout

• Changes in appetite

• Changes in sleep patterns

• Gastrointestinal distress like nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and indigestion

• Loneliness

• Body aches and muscle tension

• Mood swings

• Feeling overwhelmed

• Headaches, especially tension headaches or migraines

Steps to manage stress:

• Take time for yourself

• Try new routines and hobbies

• Be active, eat healthy, and get plenty of rest

• Stay connected and make new friends

• Recognize and counter signs of stress

• Seek help. Talk to someone you trust or a health care professional

As dedicated Support Companions, you must take care of yourselves first before you can take care of others. The work you do is very important, and it’s not easy. We are hoping you do what is necessary for your health, including managing stress, by following some of the recommended self-care suggestions.

We appreciate each of you!

Warm regards,

LaWanda

On Call Information

Weekdays: 5:00pm – 8:30am

Weekends: Friday 5:00pm – Monday 8:30am

Holidays: All day until 8:30am the next weekday morning

*Life threatening emergencies require calling 911 or an immediate Emergency Room/ Emergency Department visit followed by notification to the on-all number (or to your Case Manager during normal business hours).

Action Alert: Keep Our Communities Welcoming!

Dear Friends,

As proposed pieces of legislation continue to advance during state legislative sessions across the country, we want to raise your attention to some anti-immigrant bills that have unfortunately been gaining some traction in the states of Georgia and Tennessee. As time ticks, it will become more imperative (and challenging) to stop these bills from advancing further.

We encourage you to call your lawmakers in your respective states and speak with their offices about these harmful pieces of legislation. Click here to identify your State Representative and State Senator and find their district number.

Read more below for a brief policy update on these bills and more information on how to take action.

Georgia: HB 1105, “Georgia Criminal Alien Track and Report Act”

• Requires local law enforcement agencies to act as federal immigration officers and arrest any individual they encounter whose immigration status they cannot verify and for whom they have probable cause to arrest based on impeding felony charges and misdemeanor charges- which includes minor traffic violations.

• Withholds state and state-administered federal funding from local governments who do not choose to comply with this policy.

• Subjects local police officers to be charged with a misdemeanor for not complying.

• Requires sheriffs to hold individuals in custody indefinitely until their immigration status is confirmed by ICE.

• Anyone suspected of being undocumented who is convicted of a felony or misdemeanor offense is required to provide a DNA sample.

• This bill encourages profiling and will create a chilling effect across our communities, impacting our state workforce, local schools, and local neighborhoods.

Tennessee: HB 2124 & SB 2576

• Similarly to Georgia’s HB 1105, would require all local law enforcement agencies in Tennessee to communicate, cooperate and assist federal immigration officials in detaining (ICE)

• Perpetuates the possibility of family separation among immigrant families in TN.

• Places a tremendous burden on local law enforcement agencies and hinders their ability to meet the needs of residents by requiring them to operate as immigration agents. This will further erode trust among immigrant communities and local law enforcement.

• Waste of resources, time, and capacity for local law enforcement; infringes on the will of voters who elect Sheriffs to act with agency and local authority.

Tennessee: HB 1730 & SB 1717

• Aims to require all written driver license examinations to be administered in English only.

• Prohibits use of a translation dictionary, electronic device, or interpreter to assist with the examination.

• This bill would harm our economy by making it more difficult for some workers to get licensed and drive to their workplaces.

• As more people become unlicensed, driving and being on the road generally becomes more dangerous for all of us.

• The fact that Tennessee already offers the exam in a number of languages is a good thing for our workforce, local communities, and individuals who are lawfully present in our country and only trying to live their lives. It is mean-spirited and counterproductive.

Thank you for standing in solidarity with us as we aim to protect and defend refugee and immigrant communities across the Southeast. We appreciate you lending your voice.

With gratitude,
Aimee Zangandou
Executive Director of Refugee & Immigrant Services
Inspiritus

Texas Wildfires: Inspiritus Teams Deployed

Dear Friends,
 
On February 26, the largest wildfire in Texas state history broke out causing extensive damage to over 1.1 million acres across the Texas Panhandle. Fueled by dry and windy conditions, this wildfire – known as the Smokehouse Creek fire – is now one of the largest fires in U.S. history, though the initial cause is still unclear. Unfortunately, authorities have confirmed that two people have died in connection to the wildfires, so far. The blaze has also killed thousands of livestock, charred crops, and has burned numerous homes, many uninsured, leaving countless families displaced. On February 27, Randall County, Potter County, and City of Amarillo, Texas declared a local state of disaster.

Unfortunately, many of the communities impacted by the Texas Panhandle Wildfires lack the economic resources and infrastructure needed to recover on their own. It will continue to take the efforts of local and national Response Teams and supporters like you to help affected residents rebuild their lives.

WHAT WE ARE DOING

Inspiritus Disaster Response Teams arrived in Amarillo, Texas on Saturday, March 9 and will be assisting survivors on their road to recovery. We have established a base of operations at The Trinity Nazarene Church of Borger. At the request of the Texas Panhandle VOAD, our teams are managing the Volunteer Reception Center located at The Dome Civic and Convention Center. Authorities are allowing homeowners to return this week and our teams will be conducting rapid home assessments, where it is safe to enter. Inspiritus staff have started communications with homeowners and will begin assessments and field work on Tuesday, March 12.
 
This critical work would not be possible without the support of Inspiritus donors, our incredible volunteers, and partners like The Home Depot Foundation, ToolBank USA, Airlink, and International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) - who are generously providing needed tools, volunteer flights, and required personal protective equipment (PPE) for this response.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

We hope you will consider joining us in prayer and thoughts for those tragically impacted by the Texas Panhandle Wildfires and the responders who are helping. To learn more about Inspiritus' Disaster Relief efforts and the ways you can help survivors, click the button below.

Thank you for being a vital part of our community and supporting Inspiritus as we accompany these individuals & families on their path from surviving to thriving.

 

Sincerely,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus 

Two Years Later: Russia's Invasion of Ukraine

Dear Friends,

It’s been a little over two years since Russia’s most recent historical invasion of Ukraine, marking the beginning of an ongoing conflict that has forced approximately 14 million Ukrainian nationals to flee their country - up 93% since this time last year.

Since the launch of the Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) program in April 2022, more than 178,000 Ukrainian refugees were sponsored by U.S. residents, offering these individuals a pathway to safety and an opportunity to regain a sense of stability- even if temporary- in a new community that welcomes them.

For the Ukrainian refugees across Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia, our Refugee and Immigrant Services team members who serve these particular refugees (most of whom are Ukrainian born) act as an indispensable resource, supporting them as they navigate new pathways essential for establishing stability and success, such as securing employment, enrolling in education programs, and connecting them to spaces of fellowship and community. As we work to help these individuals adjust to life in the U.S., we have also been working to advocate for them and uplift their culture and the contributions they make to our local communities.

Last Tuesday, the office of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that Ukrainians who entered the U.S. as Humanitarian Parolees are eligible to apply for re-parole, extending their visa by an additional two years if approved. We applaud this decision and are relieved that there is hope and greater certainty for our clients in what the short-term future may hold.

As we reflect on the work we’ve done in the past two years to welcome Ukrainian refugees, we’d like to introduce you to a very special family we’ve been blessed to walk alongside on their path from surviving to thriving!

Meet The Sorohin Family (Cumming, GA):

Yuliia, a linguist and interpreter, met her husband Andrii while he was studying to become an MD. After graduating in 2003, Andrii began his residency at a major hospital in Kyiv, marking the beginning of an impressive and dynamic career in the medical field and pharmaceutical industry. He and Yuliia would get married, welcome four children to their family, and continue building their lives and careers in Ukraine’s capital city.

However, by autumn of 2022, Russian forces had started bombing and shooting in major cities, destroyed many electrical stations, creating chaos, destruction and blackout throughout Ukraine. Yuliia notes the poignancy of this moment - her family cold, afraid, and surrounded by darkness, recognized it was no longer safe to stay. Saying goodbye to their beloved family, pets, neighbors, and family home, they made the heartbreaking yet necessary decision to leave Kiev.

Following a brief stay in Poland, the Sorohin family arrived in the U.S. in April 2023 through the Uniting for Ukraine sponsorship program. After initially spending some time with a sponsor in California, the family received an opportunity to relocate to Georgia. Thanks to a loan from a generous friend, Andrii and Yuliia purchased a used car and together with their four children, kicked off their cross-country road trip that would land them in Cumming.

Thanks to friends and American sponsors in Georgia, the family was able to settle and adapt in Cumming. The family who hosted the Sorohins were very kind and good people but as a family of six, they would soon need to find their own place and begin their own pathway forward in the U.S.

With the support and guidance of Inspiritus, Andrii and Yuliia were able to move out of their sponsor’s home and into their own place within three months of arriving. Additionally, our team worked with Andrii and Yuliia to get their (many) collective degrees translated and evaluated so they can be officially recognized among U.S. employers and educational institutions. It was through this experience that Andrii soon realized that state licensing policies do not offer a streamlined pathway for foreign-trained physicians like him to practice medicine in the state of Georgia. Reducing barriers to relicensing for foreign-trained doctors like him is a cause for which he’s become a community advocate and has even discussed with Georgia’s Secretary of State, Brad Raffensperger last month.

While he hopes to one day practice medicine again here in Georgia, in the meantime, Andrii works as a Pharmaceutical Technician at a local pharmacy where he’s able to remain connected to the medical field. Yuliia has thrown herself into nonprofit work as a regular volunteer with the U4UKids Project, a program dedicated to helping Ukrainian children whose fathers died in the war. Their eldest son, Daniel (18), is working his short-term dream job as a Starbucks barista while he works on his long-term dream of going to college for fashion design. Their other children, whose ages range from 16, 11, and 7 are loving their Forsyth County neighborhood schools and have course achievements. The family has joined a nearby Evangelical church, where they’ve found a place of community and fellowship.

Despite all the challenges and hardships this family has endured, these experiences have done little to shake the family’s faith and optimism. When asked about their hopes for the future, Yuliia remarks, “We believe that God will help us. Our hope is to have a good possibility for life in America. Good jobs, good moments…But our heart is broken about Ukraine. We know the war is evil. Good must win. It is painful to discuss, but as Bible teaches us, what your hand can do – do it with all your might! In other words: if you can help, you must help (Ecclesiastes 9:10). We try to help in any way we can…we don’t know how long the [Uniting for Ukraine] program will last but while we are here, we will help in any way to our Homeland.”

As a final thought, the Sorohin family has a message to share with our state lawmakers and the American people:

“Ukrainian families across the world ask you to continue praying for Ukraine, for the victory of good over evil, for God's blessing for Ukraine, and we ask you to support the people of Ukraine in this difficult time. Your contribution to start our lives here is so important and significant and we appreciate it! Thank you for your strong support. God bless Ukraine. God Bless America. Glory to God.”

With gratitude,

Aimee Zangandou
Executive Director of Refugee & Immigrant Services
Inspiritus

Register Now for Hunger Walk 2024 on March 10th!

Register Today for the 40th Annual Hunger Walk/Run - Hosted by the Atlanta Community Food Bank!

 Dear Friends,

Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Hunger Walk/Run with us on Sunday, March 10th at the Home Depot Backyard! This special 5k event, hosted by the Atlanta Community Food Bank, brings our community together to raise awareness and crucial funds for local hunger relief. By participating, you're supporting Inspiritus and other vital organizations that help those facing hunger in metro Atlanta and north Georgia.

This year, help us make an even bigger impact. Start or join a team, and let's exceed our fundraising goals together.

Event Details:

When: Sunday, March 10, 2024

Where: The Home Depot Backyard, 1 Backyard Way, Atlanta, GA 30313

• 12:00pm: Event Opens, Onsite Registration & Entertainment Begins

• 2:00pm: 5K Fun Walk & Run Begins

• 4:00pm: Event Ends

Register now to join Inspiritus and thousands of walkers and runners dedicated to ending hunger in metro Atlanta!

With gratitude,

Mary Armstrong-Reiner

Hunger Walk Coordinator

Inspiritus

ACTION ALERT: Help Advocate For Those We Accompany

Action Alert: 3 Things You Can Do to Advocate for Refugees and Immigrants at the State and Federal Level

Dear Friends,

With our members of Congress busy back in Washington DC and our Georgia State legislators back in full swing under the Gold Dome, there are ample opportunities for advocates like you to raise your voice in support of refugees and immigrants with our state and federal lawmakers. We are in a pivotal moment that calls for courage among our elected officials to stand up for human rights and help retain the United States’ proud tradition of welcoming individuals who look to us for safety after enduring war, political oppression, and other forms of identity-based persecution.

There are three, easy actions we encourage advocates to take to help us in our efforts to preserve dignity and welcome for all. Here are the top three things you can do to show your support for refugees and immigrants in Georgia:

1. Register to attend the 2024 New Americans Celebration

The best way to do advocacy work is in-person and there is no better day to advocate for refugees and immigrants than the annual New Americans Celebration!

Inspiritus is one of 26 refugee and immigrant-serving nonprofit member organizations in the Georgia Coalition of Refugee Service Agencies. Collectively, we host events and engage in legislative advocacy with a goal of continuously uplifting the contributions of Georgia’s foreign-born communities. The New Americans Celebration is one of these events and each year around Valentine’s Day, we bring hundreds of foreign-born and native-born Georgians to the Capitol for a day of education, advocacy, and outreach, demonstrating to our lawmakers just how much we love the work we do and our communities we serve.

We’ll be back this year on Tuesday, February 13th! You can register for the event or sign up to volunteer by clicking the buttons below.

2. Sign up for CRSA Action Alerts

While Inspiritus will continue to share policy updates and action alerts for pressing matters at the federal level, we encourage you to connect with us and our partners through the Coalition of Refugee Service Agencies newsletter for updates and action alerts impacting refugees and immigrants at the state level. Click the button below to sign up for CRSA action alerts!

3. Speak out against legislation that dismantles access to asylum for vulnerable migrants in need of immediate safety

For the past few months, the White House and a small bipartisan group of Senators have been attempting to negotiate a legislative deal that would pair permanent policy restrictions to the asylum system with an unrelated supplemental funding bill that includes aid for Ukraine, Israel, humanitarian relief, and certain domestic needs issues. This legislation was unveiled Sunday night and includes the following elements:

• Authorizes the President and Department of Homeland Security to “shut down” the border if more than 4,000 migrants seek entry at our Southern Border on average within a seven day period.

• Mandated implementation of border closure if more than 5,000 migrants on average seek entry to the U.S. within one week’s time, or, when the daily number exceeds 8,500.

• Raises standard for “credible fear standard”, used to determine validity and severity of cases among individuals applying for asylum.

• Introduces a new process in which US Citizenship and Immigration Services would decide an asylum claim without it going through the immigration court system. (Exceptions for unaccompanied migrant children.)

• Expedites the asylum processing timeline from years to six months, and establishes work-authorization eligibility to asylum seekers while cases are pending.

• Pathway to legal permanent residency for our Afghan allies who entered the U.S. on with temporary status as Humanitarian Parolees.

Inspiritus commends the inclusion of certain, much-needed provisions such as expedited processing time for asylum applicants, work authorization for asylum applicants, and a pathway to legal permanent residency for Afghan Humanitarian Parolees; however, we remain deeply concerned about the unprecedented powers of expulsion, detention, and denial of due process for individuals and families seeking asylum at the southern border.

The right to seek safety across international borders is a right to which vulnerable migrants fleeing persecution are legally entitled and is part of a larger legacy in moral and global leadership that the United States should not relinquish.

Senate leaders have indicated they intend to put this bill up for a procedural vote tomorrow, Wednesday, February 7th. Please call Senators Ossoff and Warnock and ask them to vote “no” on any version of a supplemental emergency national security bill that places heavy restrictions on asylum access. You can refer to the script sample below when calling.

Script Sample:

Hello, My name is ___________ and I am a constituent of [city, state.] I am calling today to express my concern with the proposed restrictions on asylum access in the new bill the Senate revealed over the weekend. Access to asylum is not only a very real and necessary lifeline for migrant families and individuals fleeing persecution, but it is also a fundamental human right that speaks to our country’s history as a beacon of safety and hope for those who are unfairly persecuted in their home countries. While I celebrate some other elements of the bill such as a pathway to legal permanent residency for Afghan humanitarian parolees, I believe this bill will unfairly result in too many vulnerable families being denied a fair shot at safety and being sent back into harm’s way. As such, I am asking the senator to vote “no” on this bill in its current form or any form with similarly harsh restrictions on asylum access. Thank you.”

Thank you for your continued support.

With gratitude,

Aimee Zangandou
Executive Director of Refugee & Immigrant Services
Inspiritus

A Veteran's Disaster Experience

Harold McKinley: A Veteran’s Stand Against Adversity with Inspiritus

By Richard Luthmann

In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, Fort Myers tells a stark tale. It’s about Harold McKinley, 91, a Navy veteran, betrayed by those he trusted to repair his home. He’s out $17,000. Enter Inspiritus. They’re not just a group; they’re his saviors.

Julie Dimitrov from Inspiritus is clearcut in her words. “Our mission is simple yet critical. We step in immediately after disasters. Then we stay. We rebuild homes, lives,” she says. Inspiritus joins forces with SHARC, a Florida state program, and groups like Community College Initiative, Pelican Ministries, and Anthem Church. It’s a strong alliance committed to rebuilding and restoring.

Harold’s from Louisville, Kentucky. His past is like a movie. He played football with Johnny Unitas and Paul Horning. He knew Cassius Clay before the world called him Muhammad Ali. “Those were days of strength,” Harold recalls. His voice, though aged, carries a weight. “Then the hurricane came, and those contractors. They left me with nothing. It felt like the end.”

But it wasn’t. Mike Moultrie, Inspiritus’ project manager, oversees the rebuilding. He’s more than a supervisor; he’s a teacher. “It’s about skills, sure. But it’s about spirit, too. We’re teaching these young volunteers to build, help, and care,” Mike states. He’s a man of few words, but each one counts. 

Inspiritus Volunteers with Harold McKinely, 91, in front of his home. They helped him rebuild after Ian and unlicensed contractors struck.Photo byRichard Luthmann / Sun Bay Paper

Volunteers swarm the site. Among them, Deztiny Carter from Colorado Springs, Manuela Huertas, Ruby Martinez. They’re diverse and driven. “I never knew a hammer could be so powerful, not just in building, but in bringing hope,” says Deztiny. Manuela nods. “We’re here to fix walls, but we’re mending more than that.” Ruby’s view is simple. “Different stories, one purpose. Rebuild, restore.”

Harold’s ordeal is not just his. It speaks to a broader problem. Post-disaster, the vulnerable often face deception. Unlicensed contractors are quick to promise and quicker to flee. Harold’s story brings this to light, a grim reality for many.

“A licensed General Contractor gives the customers a safety net. If they are not licensed they are beholden to no one. Always ask for their license, insurance, and employee vetting process to save yourself headaches,” says Troy Conner of First Priority Restoration, a reputable and licensed GC in Fort Myers and Fort Myers Beach.

Mike Moultrie and Julie Dimitrov discuss the ongoing work in Harold McKinley's home. Photo by Richard Luthmann/ Sun Bay Paper

But in this story, there’s a quiet triumph. “This house, it’s not just mine. It’s built by hands of strangers, now friends,” Harold says, looking over the bustling site. “It’s more than a structure. It’s a testament to kindness, to humanity.”

Harold McKinley’s story, told in rebuilding his home, is a narrative of resilience. It’s a tale of a community’s strength, a veteran’s unwavering spirit, and the power of collective action against the odds. In the simple yet profound acts of rebuilding, there lies a story of hope, a narrative that resonates with the enduring power of human connection and solidarity. 

To learn more about the Inspiritus Disaster Relief Program and how you can get involved visit www.weinspirit.org/disaster-relief

Disaster Teams Deploy to Hendersonville, TN

Dear Friend,

On Saturday, December 9th, a deadly string of tornadoes tore across Tennessee leaving at least six people dead, more than 50 injured, and an extensive amount of damage to countless homes and businesses. While this deadly storm impacted residents across the state, the city of Hendersonville - in Sumner county - was one of the hardest hit communities. Slammed with an EF-2 tornado, Hendersonville experienced max wind speeds of 130 mph with a staggering width of 400 yards. 

Unfortunately, many of the communities impacted by these devastating tornadoes lack the economic resources and infrastructure needed to recover on their own. It will continue to take the efforts of local and national Response Teams, and supporters like you, to help affected residents rebuild their lives.

WHAT WE ARE DOING

Project Tasks & Activities:

Inspiritus Disaster Response Teams have been deployed to Hendersonville, TN and are on the ground assisting Tennessee Tornado storm survivors on their road to recovery by providing free Home Assessments, Debris Removal, and Chainsaw services. These services are being provided wherever needed most, with priority on assisting those who are the most vulnerable, families with children, seniors, veterans, and especially low-income households.

Arriving on December 12th, our teams have helped over a dozen storm survivors so far, with more homes and families in the queue. Inspiritus volunteers are conducting rapid home needs assessments and are prepared to help deploy spontaneous volunteers to assist with Chainsaw & Debris Removal jobs, as needed.

Our staff are coordinating with County & StateEmergency Management, United Way of Sumner County, Hendersonville Chamber of Commerce, ToolBank USA, and Faith partners including Hendersonville Church of the Nazarene, Concord Mission, and otherTennessee VOAD's (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) in the area to empower these storm survivors on their road to recovery. 

Projected Outcomes:

• Providing Free Debris Removal & Chainsaw Services to Communities as Needed/Available

• Providing Free Home Needs Assessments

• Support Families & Individuals Impacted by the Disaster

Community Benefit:

Inspiritus is working to build local disaster response capacities, while also providing direct services to survivors.

• Capacity Building: Inspiritus is partnering with local emergency and city/county officials to build local disaster response capacity, as needed. We have established a base of operations at Hendersonville Church of the Nazarene, who generously opened their doors to house Inspiritus volunteers. Thanks to the support of Concord Mission, our Response Teams have also been equipped with laundry & shower trailers to utilize over the course of this response operation.

• Direct Services: Inspiritus staff and volunteers are providing Home Needs Assessments, Debris Removal, and Chainsaw services, along with emotional care to bring safety and peace of mind to homeowners requesting assistance. 

• Support & Care: Volunteers are accompanying survivors as they navigate one of the most difficult tragedies and challenges of their lives. In this accompaniment, we walk alongside each individual we come in contact with, helping them to tap into the resilience within themselves. Prayer and spiritual encouragement is often greatly appreciated by many survivors and Inspiritus volunteers often provide this comforting and empowering form of care, when it is welcomed. Hope and hugs are often powerfully strengthening for survivors during their darkest hours.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

DONATE:

As things develop, we will keep you updated on the volunteer needs for this Response operation. In the meantime, we encourage you to support our Tennessee Tornado response efforts by donating. The more funds we raise, the longer our teams can stay on the ground continuing to help individuals & families impacted by the storm. 

To help give hope to as many survivors as possible, Thrivent has made the commitment to match your generosity. For every $2 you donate through our online disaster response campaign, Thrivent will provide a $1 match (up to a maximum of $15,000). We believe in the power of community, and your support can amplify our impact.

You can make a contribution today by clicking the button below. Your support will provide free Home Assessment, Debris Removal, and Chainsaw services to help individuals & families in need, especially those who can't recover without help.

Thank you for being a vital part of our community and supporting Inspiritus in empowering individuals & families on their journey from surviving to thriving.

 

Sincerely,
Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

Help Empower Tennessee Tornado Storm Survivors

Dear Friend,

Thousands of Tennessee residents remain without power after a deadly string of tornadoes tore through the state on Saturday, December 9th, destroying countless homes, businesses, and killing at least six people. The Nashville suburbs of Hendersonville, Gallatin and Madison − where three people died - were greatly impacted, as they were hit by a tornado with max wind speeds of 125 mph.

In the wake of the devastating tornadoes, Inspiritus is joining hands with Thrivent to make a difference in the lives of those impacted. Your support plays a crucial role in helping us empower survivors, rebuild lives, and address the compounding impact of devastating tornadoes like these. 

To help give hope to as many survivors as possible, Thrivent has made the commitment to match your generosity. For every $2 you donate through our online disaster response campaign, Thrivent will provide a $1 match (up to a maximum of $15,000). We believe in the power of community, and your support can amplify our impact.

You can make a Thrivent contribution today by clicking the button below.

WHAT WE ARE DOING

Inspiritus Disaster Response Teams are currently being deployed to Hendersonville, Tennessee to assist local residents on their road to recovery. Our services will be provided wherever needed most, with priority on assisting those who are the most vulnerable, families with children, seniors, veterans, and especially low-income households. Inspiritus staff are communicating with local officials and partnering organizations to coordinate our efforts as quickly and efficiently as possible. 

As things develop, we will keep you updated on the need in the Hendersonville community and how you can get involved.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,
Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

International Human Rights Day - 75th Anniversary!

Dear Friends,

Yesterday, December 10th, commemorated the 75th anniversary of International Human Rights Day, a day designed to recognize the United Nation General Assembly’s adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), and the values enshrined in this landmark agreement. The UDHR’s signing marks the first time in history that such a large coalition of international countries adopted a shared set of principles that transcend the laws of their own respective governments.

These principles are rooted in a core belief that all of us as human beings should have equal access to the same set of certain, inalienable rights regardless of our race, religion, gender, ethnicity, political beliefs, or other characteristics. This includes most fundamentally the right to live and exist freely without fear of persecution.

Why the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is Personal to Me:

The UDHR is personal to me. It was in early April of 1994 that my family and I learned what it meant to be denied this basic human right, changing our lives forever. A campaign of mass genocide had been launched in our home country of Rwanda. As the risk of being killed increased with each passing day, my family and I were given no choice but to leave and find safety outside the borders of our own country. In the three months that followed, one million Rwandans would lose their lives.

My family survived because of multiple acts of kindness bestowed to us from friends and at times, even complete strangers. As the executive director for Refugee & Immigrant Services at Inspiritus, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving vulnerable populations across the Southeast, I am fortunate to witness similar gestures of goodwill every day from individuals who have no personal connection to the new refugees they volunteer to support, but nonetheless feel compelled to get involved in our work because of their compassion and convictions.

It is precisely thanks to the hospitality of everyday people that Georgia’s refugee resettlement program is consistently ranked among the most successful in the nation.

However, given that less than 1% of the current 108.4 million people who are forcibly displaced will be offered the chance to resettle in a new country, we must be open to offering sustainable pathways for individuals escaping violence and persecution and who look to the United States as a champion of Democracy and human rights.

The right to seek asylum is one of the 30 tenants outlined in the UDHR and is one of several options for individuals in need of humanitarian protection to legally enter the U.S. Humanitarian parole is another pathway and has helped thousands of individuals fleeing war, persistent gang violence, or political tyranny, as was the case for the 1,697 Afghan evacuees Georgia welcomed last year after their country fell to Taliban forces.

In recognizing yesterday’s 75th anniversary, it is imperative that we pause to reflect on the progress made in our efforts to uphold human rights since the aftermath of WWII and the of the atrocities of the Holocaust. I wish history had unfolded a differently and the UN’s original vision of preventing future acts of targeted violence and forced displacement; sadly though, such atrocities have happened repeatedly in places like Cambodia, Kosovo, Darfur, Myanmar, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and now, Palestine.

This is not to say the intent of the UDHR has failed; on the contrary, its ability to act as a “north star” for heads of state committed to upholding the values of human rights has helped set a global precedent for their government and its citizens to similarly uphold these values.

As an example, look no further than Georgia’s native son, former President Jimmy Carter, who, in spearheading the passage of the US Refugee Act of 1980, solidified our nation’s role as a leader in refugee resettlement with the creation of a formal government program that has helped provide over three million refugees find safety, stability, and success, in the United States.

While few of us yield the power to prevent human rights violations from taking place, we all have the power as an electorate to ensure our lawmakers are upholding tenants of US and international law that offer life-saving protections for individuals facing war or persecution. As this piece is being written, Congress is simultaneously engaged in negotiations that could result in restricting access to both humanitarian parole and asylum.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

Help us uplift the 75th anniversary of the UN’s Declaration of Human Rights by calling your Members of Congress and reminding them that asylum is a human right. You can find your House Member and Senators here and may refer to the sample script below.

• “Hello, my name is [Insert Name] and I am a constituent from [City, State]. I am calling to ask that the [Representative/Senator] stand with asylum seekers and remember that the right to asylum is a human right that every person should be able to claim when their lives are endangered in their home countries. I am aware that Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle are considering tightening asylum access as a concession for passing the President’s requested supplemental foreign aid package to Ukraine and other countries by the end of the year. Asylum is the difference between life and death for individuals in need of immediate safety and it should not be used as a bargaining chip. The protection of fundamental human rights has always been a corner stone of our country’s ideals and foreign policy priorities. As such, I am urging the [Representative/Senator] act to protect these ideals and vote “no” on any measures that would further restrict asylum access for individuals escaping extreme violence and persecution. Thank you."

To learn more about how YOU can get involved and help empower the refugees we accompany on their path from surviving to thriving, visit our website at www.weinspirit.org.

Sincerely,

Aimee Zangandou
Executive Director of Refugees & Immigrants Services
Inspiritus

Give Early for Giving Tuesday!

Dear Friends,

Giving Tuesday is just around the corner! Join the world’s largest generosity movement by partnering with Inspiritus this Giving Tuesday (November 28th)! With your support, we can empower more families & individuals on their path from surviving to thriving.

HOW YOUR DONATION CAN MAKE AN IMPACT:

• $25 will end hunger for a family of four for a week.

• $100 will provide children living through a crisis to have critical school supplies and clothing.

• $250 will empower Household Providers to find a new job to support their family.

• $1,000 will provide local disaster survivors & refugees with safe housing.

The best part? You don't have to wait to make an impact! You can donate early and support Inspiritus this Giving Tuesday by clicking the button below. Make sure to share it across your social media network using the hashtag #GivingTuesday:

Thank you for your continued support and empowering those accompany on their path surviving to thriving. We are so grateful to all of our donors and supporter who help make what we do possible!

With Gratitude,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

Giving Tuesday is Tuesday, November 28

Dear Friends,

It's that time of year again! Georgia is coming together for a full day of hope on Giving Tuesday, November 28 (the Tuesday after Thanksgiving).

This year, we're setting a $5,000 goal for this Giving Tuesday. In fact, right now GA Gives is allowing early contributions which will go towards Inspiritus' overall Giving Tuesday goal. Click the button below to donate early, and share it across your social media network using hashtags #GivingTuesday #GAgives:

We are so grateful to all of our donors and supporters who help make what we do possible.

With Gratitude,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

Hurricane Idalia Response Update

Dear Friend,

It's been six weeks since Hurricane Idalia made landfall - striking Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. This devastating storm brought 130 mph winds, 12 ft. storm surges and caused significant damage to thousands of homes and businesses across the southeastern United States. Idalia reached Valdosta, Georgia as a Category 2 storm with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph. Over 1,000 power lines were damaged, leaving 97% of Lowndes county in total darkness.

On September 1, 2023 Inspiritus Disaster Response teams were deployed to Valdosta, GA to assist Hurricane Idalia storm survivors on their road to recovery by providing free Debris Removal, Muck & Gut, Roof-Tarping, Chainsaw, and Heavy Equipment services. These services were provided wherever needed most, with priority to those who are most vulnerable, including families with children, seniors, veterans, and especially low-income households.

Throughout the 4-week deployment in Valdosta, GA (ending October 1, 2023), Inspiritus Disaster Relief partners, volunteers, and supporters helped empower 237 storm survivors on their path from surviving to thriving.

WHAT WE DID:

• Capacity Building: Inspiritus staff coordinated with local emergency and city/county officials to assist with local capacity building efforts. While staff actively supported operations in and around the Valdosta area, they also assisted leaders in other local towns and counties to help them assess and manage the people and resources they needed. 

• Volunteer Housing: Inspiritus established a volunteer housing base at Valdosta Church of the Nazarene, with the capacity to accommodate overnight volunteers on a daily basis. 

• Home Assessments, Debris Removal, Chainsawing, Muck & Gut, Roof-Tarping and Heavy Equipment Services: Volunteers conducted Home Assessments and provided free Muck & Gut, Chainsawing, Debris Removal, Roof-Tarping and Heavy Equipment services for local residents’ homes where it was safe to enter.

• Support & Care: Volunteers accompanied survivors as they navigated one of the most difficult tragedies and challenges of their lives. In this accompaniment, we walk alongside each individual we come in contact with, helping them to tap into the resilience within themselves. Prayer and spiritual encouragement is often greatly appreciated by many survivors and Inspiritus volunteers often provide this comforting and empowering form of care, when it is welcomed. Hope and hugs are often powerfully strengthening for survivors during their darkest hours.

Thank you for your continued support and helping impacted communities find strength and resiliency during these difficult times. While our Hurricane Idalia response operation has come to a close, you can learn more about Inspiritus' Disaster Relief efforts and the ways you can get involved by clicking the button below.

Sincerely,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

Give Hope This Holiday Season!

Dear Friends,  

Hope Tree giving season is here! At Inspiritus, our Hope Tree program gives the gift of hope to refugee and immigrant children and families seeking a new life. We partner with individuals, local congregations, and community organizations to give the gift of hope to those in need.

With your generosity, our hope is to ensure every individual we accompany receives something special this holiday season, whether that be a warm winter coat or a gift card. But we can’t do it alone. We invite you to join us in our mission to empower every person we accompany on their journey from surviving to thriving this giving season.

• All of our locations are collecting coats! Our goal is to collect over 900 new coats for refugees who have arrived this year in Atlanta, Nashville, Birmingham, and Savannah. All coats collected will be distributed to newly arrived refugees and immigrant families.

• We are also accepting gift cards! If you are unable to donate a winter coat, you also have the option to send a gift card. The gift cards collected will be used to purchase additional coats that we don't receive donations for. Any remaining gift cards will be distributed to families who already have a coat, or live in Savannah where coats aren't as needed, due to warmer temperatures.

• Please mail donations to Hope Tree INSPIRITUS by December 8th. You can mail your donation to whichever office you would like to support.

• If you prefer to make a monetary donation to the Hope Tree Holiday Fund, we will use the money collected to purchase needed winter coats. You can donate to this fund by clicking the button below. Please be sure to select 'Hope Tree' when making your contribution.

WHERE TO MAIL YOUR DONATION:

Nashville Office: 297 Haywood Lane, Nashville, TN 37211

Atlanta Office: 731 Peachtree Street NE, Suite B, Atlanta, GA 30308

Birmingham Office: 117 Southcrest Drive Ste. 104 Birmingham, AL 35209

Savannah Office: 6555 Abercorn St., Suite 205 Savannah, Georgia 31405 

WHERE TO PURCHASE A GIFT CARD:

Each of our offices (Atlanta, Birmingham, Nashville, and Savannah) has an Amazon Wishlist where you can purchase and donate a Visa gift card. You can click on the links below to donate a gift card to the site of your choosing.

• Atlanta - Purchase an Amazon gift card HERE

• Birmingham - Purchase an Amazon gift card HERE

• Nashville - Purchase an Amazon gift card HERE

• Savannah - Purchase an Amazon gift card HERE

If you have questions, please reach out to our Community Engagement Manager, Sarah Burke, at Sarah.Burke@weinspirit.org or 404-797-7505.

Thank you for the meaningful ways you and your congregations live out your lives as people of faith. Inspiritus is blessed to partner with you as we accompany the most vulnerable among us on their journeys from surviving to thriving.

Sincerely,

Aimee Zangandou
Executive Director of Refugees & Immigrants Services
Inspiritus

Hurricane Idalia Response Update: Day 13

Dear Friend,

It has been 2 weeks since Hurricane Idalia made landfall - striking Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. Thanks to the generosity of our Disaster Relief partners, volunteers, and supporters like you, Inspiritus Disaster Relief teams are on the ground in Valdosta, Georgia empowering Hurricane Idalia storm survivors on their road to recovery.  

When the storm reached the southeast corner of Georgia, it devastated the city of Valdosta - with flooding, downed trees, and power outages being reported in Valdosta and the surrounding counties. In coordination with local and national partners and government agencies, we have been on the ground, helping to support the hardest-hit communities in Lowndes County, Georgia and have already completed 60 homes since our arrival.

Given the vast amount of downed trees on homes, business and public spaces, the majority of the need so far has been centered around Chainsawing and Debris Removal. We have also tended to homeowners in need of Muck & Gut and Roof-Tarping services. Our help is being provided wherever needed most, and at no cost to the homeowner. Inspiritus teams prioritize assistance to those who are most vulnerable, including families with children, seniors, veterans, and especially low-income households.

We continue to be encouraged by the open-arms, strength, and resiliency of the residents of Valdosta. Despite being personally impacted by Hurricane Idalia, the congregants of the Valdosta Church of the Nazarene have opened their doors to feed and house Inspiritus volunteers, joined our response teams in the field, and provided critical support in welcoming and recruiting new volunteers at the Volunteer Reception Center (VRC) this past weekend. They are giving of their time, hands, and hearts to help their neighbors - despite many, including the Pastor and his family, being displaced themselves. 

On behalf of Inspiritus staff and communities impacted by Hurricane Idalia, we are grateful for the generous support from partners, like Valdosta Church of the Nazarene, The Home Depot Foundation, Serve Comm, Rothrock Foundation, local government agencies, volunteers, and numerous others that are helping survivors safely return home.

We will continue our Response in and around the Valdosta area through the end of September. There is still time to help and a great need for assistance of any volunteer skill level. Please call the Volunteer Hotline at (229) 531-3523, to learn how you and/or your group can get involved. The base of operations will be maintained at the Valdosta Church of the Nazarene. Consider joining us there, as we provide urgent help to the individuals and families impacted by Hurricane Idalia.

WHAT WE ARE DOING

Project Tasks & Activities:

• Capacity Building: Inspiritus staff are coordinating with local emergency and city/county officials to assist with local capacity building efforts. While staff are actively supporting operations in and around the Valdosta area, they are also assisting leaders in other local towns and counties to help them assess and manage the people and resources they need. Towards the end of our Response, Inspiritus staff plan to offer advisement and support for the development of Long-Term Recovery planning and committees, as needed. 

• Volunteer Housing: Inspiritus has setup volunteer housing at Valdosta Church of the Nazarene, with the capacity to accommodate overnight volunteers on a daily basis. We would like to give a huge thank you to Sever Comm, who has provided our volunteers on base with a shower and laundry trailer.  

• Home Assessments, Debris Removal, Roof-Tarping and Chainsaw Services: Volunteers are conducting home assessments and are providing free Chainsaw, Debris Removal, and Roof-Tarping services for local residents’ homes where it's safe to enter.

• Support & Care: Volunteers are accompanying survivors as they navigate one of the most difficult tragedies and challenges of their lives. In this accompaniment, we walk alongside each individual we come in contact with, helping them to tap into the resilience within themselves. Prayer and spiritual encouragement is often greatly appreciated by many survivors and Inspiritus volunteers often provide this comforting and empowering form of care, when it is welcomed. Hope and hugs are often powerfully strengthening for survivors during their darkest hours.

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS

This impactful work would not be possible without the support and generosity of our Disaster Relief Partners.

• Information Technology Disaster Resource Center (ITDRC)

• Lowndes Emergency Management Agency 

• Rothrock Foundation

• Serve Comm

• Sirens Project

• The Home Depot Foundation

• Valdosta Church of the Nazarene

• Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks & Recreation Authority

HOW YOU CAN HELP

DONATE:

Donate to Inspiritus. The more funding we raise, the longer our teams can stay on the ground continuing to help families and individuals impacted by Hurricane Idalia. Your support will provide free Debris Removal, Roof-Tarping, and Chainsaw services to help families affected by the storm, especially those who can't recover without help.

VOLUNTEER:

This work would not be possible without the HEROIC volunteers and Team Leads living at our local Volunteer Housing Camp, who have come in from around the country to lend their time, hands, and hearts to empowering the residents of South Georgia.

Please consider volunteering and joining our team on the ground! You will not only impact the life of storm survivors, but will also be forever changed from this rewarding volunteer experience. You can sign up to volunteer by clicking the button below. You can also sign up to volunteer by calling our Volunteer Hotline at (229) 531-3523. 

Prayerfully consider joining us on the ground in Valdosta, GA now through September 30th. All skills and ages are welcomed. Please call the Volunteer Hotline at (229) 531-3523 or visit www.weinspirit.org/drvolunteers to learn more.
 

Sincerely,
Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

Hurricane Idalia Response Update: Day 7

A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO

"It has been a whirlwind 24 hours. On my visit this week to Ground Zero for Hurricane Idalia in Georgia, I met Lonnie Grant, pastor of the Valdosta Nazarene church. The church has laid out the warm welcome mat and is hosting Inspiritus volunteers around the clock and from around the country.

In the photo above, you will see that his home was nearly destroyed when a 80 foot pine tree came slicing through the side of the house while he and his wife Donna were inside. They have been displaced, are living in a motel, and likely won't be able to return to their home until sometime in 2024. When I asked him about what brings him comfort and support, he said, 'what brings me comfort is offering help to someone else...because I know what it feels like to live through the storm.'

This is the second disaster that Lonnie has been through. That is partly why he and his church members are sacrificing their space, so that Inspiritus volunteers can have a simple place to lay their head at night. The church kitchen, fellowship hall, and every Sunday school classroom is occupied by volunteers.

There is no end in sight to the work. In the photo below, you see a map of all the home owners in Valdosta who have requested help. We learned from the Emergency Management Agency that 1000 homes have either been destroyed or are majorly impacted by the storm in the Valdosta area alone."

WHAT WE ARE DOING

Project Tasks & Activities:

• Capacity Building: Inspiritus staff are coordinating with local emergency and city/county officials to assist with local capacity building efforts. While staff are actively supporting operations in and around the Valdosta area, they are also assisting leaders in other local towns and counties to help them assess and manage the people and resources they need. Towards the end of our Response, Inspiritus staff plan to offer advisement and support for the development of Long-Term Recovery planning and committees, as needed. 

• Volunteer Housing: Inspiritus has setup volunteer housing at Valdosta Church of the Nazarene, with the capacity to accommodate overnight volunteers on a daily basis. We would like to give a huge thank you to Sever Comm, who has provided our volunteers on base with a shower and laundry trailer.  

• Home Assessments, Debris Removal, Roof-Tarping and Chainsaw Services: Volunteers are conducting home assessments and are providing free Chainsaw, Debris Removal, and Roof-Tarping services for local residents’ homes where it's safe to enter.

• Support & Care: Volunteers are accompanying survivors as they navigate one of the most difficult tragedies and challenges of their lives. In this accompaniment, we walk alongside each individual we come in contact with, helping them to tap into the resilience within themselves. Prayer and spiritual encouragement is often greatly appreciated by many survivors and Inspiritus volunteers often provide this comforting and empowering form of care, when it is welcomed. Hope and hugs are often powerfully strengthening for survivors during their darkest hours.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

VOLUNTEER:

This work would not be possible without the HEROIC volunteers and Team Leads living at our local Volunteer Housing Camp, who have come in from around the country to lend their time, hands, and hearts to empowering the residents of South Georgia.

Inspiritus staff are on the ground setting up a Volunteer Reception Center (VRC), which will be up and running by 7:30am on Saturday, September 9th. The VRC will be located at 1901 Barack Obama Blvd, Valdosta, GA 31601 and will act as a centralized hub to recruit, organize, and manage daily volunteers. Stopby this Saturday between 7:30am-4pm to learn how you can help.

Please consider volunteering and joining our team on the ground! You will not only impact the life of storm survivors, but will also be forever changed from this rewarding volunteer experience. You can sign up to volunteer by clicking the button below.

DONATE:

Donate to Inspiritus. The more funding we raise, the longer our teams can stay on the ground continuing to help families and individuals impacted by Hurricane Idalia. Your support will provide free Debris Removal, Roof-Tarping, and Chainsaw services to help families affected by the storm, especially those who can't recover without help.

Prayerfully consider joining us on the ground in Valdosta, GA now through September 30th. All skills and ages are welcomed. Please call the Volunteer Hotline at 1-800-775-0906 or visit www.weinspirit.org/drvolunteers to learn more.

Sincerely,

John R. Moeller Jr.
President & CEO
Inspiritus

Hurricane Idalia Response Update

Dear Friend,
 
As you may know, Hurricane Idalia struck central and northern Florida on August 30th, bringing sustained winds speeds near 125-mph and a storm surge of 16ft along Florida’s north-west coastline. The Category 3 hurricane then continued its path of destruction as it tore northward into Georgia and the Carolinas. Once reaching Georgia, Idalia moved through the city of Valdosta as a Category 2 storm with maximum sustained winds of 105-mph. Over a thousand power poles in Lowndes County snapped, leaving 97% of the county in total darkness. According to preliminary cost estimates, Hurricane Idalia has caused between $12 billion and $20 billion in damages. 

Inspiritus Disaster Relief has deployed a team to Valdosta, GA and has committed to a 30-day response on the ground. We have established a base of operations at the Valdosta Church of the Nazarene and are assisting Hurricane Idalia storm survivors on their road to recovery by providing free Debris Removal, Roof-Tarping, and Chainsaw services, along with hope and encouragement.

Inspiritus staff are on the ground establishing a VRC (Volunteer Reception Center), which will be up and running by 7:30am on Saturday, September 9th. We are also deploying assessment teams to impacted areas to determine the extent of support that will be needed to help survivors on their path to thriving. We have been coordinating with local and state officials, as well as our partners, to bring much needed assistance to the impacted residents of South Georgia.

There is an urgent need for assistance as we continue to empower the families and individuals impacted by Hurricane Idalia on their journey from surviving to thriving. As we continue our response efforts in Valdosta, GA, volunteers are needed to help survivors recover from this devastating storm. 

WHAT WE ARE DOING

Project Tasks & Activities:

• Capacity Building: Inspiritus staff are coordinating with local emergency and city/county officials to assist with local capacity building efforts. While staff are actively supporting operations in and around the Valdosta area, they are also assisting leaders in other local towns and counties to help them assess and manage the people and resources they need. Towards the end of our Response, Inspiritus staff plan to offer advisement and support for the development of Long-Term Recovery planning and committees, as needed. 

• Volunteer Housing: Inspiritus has setup volunteer housing at Valdosta Church of the Nazarene, with the capacity to accommodate overnight volunteers on a daily basis. This base of operations has been without water and power since our team's arrival. Special thanks to the local Planet Fitness in Valdosta, GA and Valdosta Fire Station No. 4 for opening their shower facilities to the community, including our volunteers on the ground.  

• Home Assessments, Debris Removal, Roof-Tarping and Chainsaw Services: Volunteers are conducting home assessments and are providing free Chainsaw, Debris Removal, and Roof-Tarping services for local residents’ homes where it's safe to enter.

• Support & Care: Volunteers are accompanying survivors as they navigate one of the most difficult tragedies and challenges of their lives. In this accompaniment, we walk alongside each individual we come in contact with, helping them to tap into the resilience within themselves. Prayer and spiritual encouragement is often greatly appreciated by many survivors and Inspiritus volunteers often provide this comforting and empowering form of care, when it is welcomed. Hope and hugs are often powerfully strengthening for survivors during their darkest hours.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

DONATE:

Donate to Inspiritus. The more funding we raise, the longer our teams can stay on the ground continuing to help families and individuals impacted by Hurricane Idalia. Your support will provide free Debris Removal, Roof-Tarping, and Chainsaw services to help families affected by the storm, especially those who can't recover without help.

VOLUNTEER:

This work would not be possible without the HEROIC volunteers and Team Leads living at our local Volunteer Housing Camp, who have come in from around the country to lend their time, hands, and hearts to empowering the residents of South Georgia.

Please consider volunteering and joining our team on the ground! You will not only impact the life of storm survivors, but will also be forever changed from this rewarding volunteer experience. You can sign up to volunteer by clicking the button below.

Prayerfully consider joining us on the ground in Valdosta, GA now through September 30th. All skills and ages are welcomed. Please call the Volunteer Hotline at 1-800-775-0906 or visit www.weinspirit.org/drvolunteers to learn more.

Sincerely,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

Disaster Teams Deploy to South Georgia

Dear Friend,
 
On the morning of Wednesday, August 30th, Hurricane Idalia made landfall on Florida's Gulf Coast - bringing 125-mph winds, localized flooding, and leaving nearly 300,000 households without power; impacting countless residents of Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. Touching down in Florida as a Category 3 Hurricane, Idalia made its devastating path across southern Georgia, impacting the city of Valdosta, GA and the surrounding counties. 

Valdosta city officials were asking individuals in that area to shelter in place because of “significant damage” caused by the storm. “Many roads are impassable due to flooding, debris, or lines in the roadway. The recovery efforts are underway, but the damage is vast,” the city said in a Facebook Post.

WHAT WE ARE DOING

Inspiritus Disaster Response teams are currently being deployed to Valdosta, Georgia to assist Hurricane Idalia storm survivors on their road to recovery. We will be providing free Chainsaw Services, while assessing the needs of local residents. Through these assessments, Debris Removal, Muck & Gut, and Roof-Tarping jobs will be added to the queue, allowing homeowners to receive the assistance they need. Our services will be provided wherever needed most, with priority on assisting those who are the most vulnerable, families with children, seniors, veterans, and especially low-income households. 

HOW YOU CAN HELP

As things develop, we will keep you updated on the volunteer needs for this Response operation. In the meantime, we hope you will consider joining us in prayer and thoughts for those tragically impacted by this disaster, and the responders who are helping. If you would like to learn more about Inspiritus' Disaster Relief efforts, and the ways you can help survivors, click the button below. 

Thank you for your support.
 

Sincerely,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus